Is it hard to view a launch? No! NASA allows public launch viewing from Kennedy Space Center (KSC) premises and there are also a number of excellent viewing spots around the center. The launch schedule is known well in advance, so you can plan accordingly. Read Internet forums, trip reports and blog sites for tips and suggestions. There is a lot of useful advise available.
Most importantly, you want to secure yourself the best viewing spot possible. You can purchase a so-called "launch viewing ticket" (or LTT) to view from NASA Causeway. This location is roughly 6 miles away from the launch pad and offers a stunning view and sound experience. Not surprisingly, LTTs sell out quickly. The best way to obtain them is to subscribe to KSC's "armchair astronaut newsletter". Once done, you receive status updates about upcoming launches. And, most importantly, you will learn the exact date and time when ticket go on sale. This is the key information. LTTs are typically sold out within a few minutes. For STS-120, all were sold after roughly four (!) minutes. When you know the sales start date, make sure you will be ready to order online. Do not order via the phone. The phone option is too slow compared to direct order entry via Internet.
After you have obtained tickets, you need to watch the launch date. Spaceflight is a very complex business and lots of things can go wrong. It is not uncommon that flights are delayed days or even weeks. Your tickets are not for a specific launch date -- they are for a specific mission. For example, I purchased tickets for the STS-115 mission. The original target date was August, 28th 2006. There were several delays and shuttle Atlantis finally rocketed into space on September, 9th. While you can rest assured that your tickets remain valid, you need to keep a keen eye on launch delays.
On launch day, make sure to allow yourself enough driving time to Kennedy Space Center. There are many visitors and roads can be extremely packed. KSC recommends to at least double the normal travel time, but it does not hurt to come even earlier. Also, pack as lightly as possible. There is strong security at KSC and the less you carry, the faster you get through. Also be prepared for long traffic lines after the launch -- then almost everyone wants to go home at the same instant.
Viewing a space shuttle launch is an experience you will never forget. With a little planning, you can manage to see it live before the shuttle fleet is retired.
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Rainer Gerhards is a software developer, hobby
astronomer and space enthusiast. He has visited
Kennedy Space Center multiple times. His current
pet project is visiting Discovery's STS-120 launch.
He pens a daily
launch viewing blog about this trip, including
personal details and mission highlights.
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